USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Indiana > Part 77
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entering land in Nineveh township. The various members of the family in this county have always taken a prominent part in the public life of the com- munity, and have stood high in the esteem and confidence of the people. To the subject's parents were born three children, Samuel M., Asa W. and Ora.
The subject of this sketch received a good, practical common school education, and was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he fol- lowed throughout his active life. He was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of splendid land in Franklin township, where his widow now resides, and to the cultivation and improvement of this tract he gave his un- divided attention with eminent success. He was not only an excellent and capable farmer, but he had a true love for his occupation, by reason of which he was enabled to lead a contented and successful life. He was not con- tent to farm exactly in the same manner as all his neighbors, but he removed from the beaten path and devoted his energies to agriculture according to the most up-to-date and modern methods. There seemed to be united in him such qualities of head and heart as would insure success in every field of endeavor and the winning of the good graces of the people wherever he went, for he was possessed of those qualities that are everywhere ad- mired. His life had been more or less shaped by the early teaching and training of his boyhood days, for he had been reared in a pure moral at- mosphere. He had been taught self reliance, independence of thought and action, and a sturdy belief in a strict adherence to the accepted standard of ethics. Sterling honesty in his dealings with his fellow men and an exact sense of justice in every transaction of life were the principles that seemed to govern his active career, as those who knew him longest and best can tes- tify. He was a progressive citizen of his community, where he labored not only for his own advancement, but also for the good of the people gen- erally, his efforts having been amply repaid with abundant material suc- cess and the esteem of his fellow men. He was a man of many sterling characteristics, hesitating at no obstacles and ever willing to do his full share in the work of progress, a man whose word was as good, if not better, than the bond of most men.
On August 24, 1890, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Evelyn Branigin, a daughter of Edmond and Mary A. (Nay) Branigin, the father a native of Johnson county. Mrs. Mitchell's paternal grandfather, Nicholas S. Branigin, was a native of Kentucky, from which state he came to Indiana in an early day, his parents having been among the early and prominent settlers of this community. Nicholas Branigin was the father of
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five children, Edmund D., William, Emery D., Oscar D. and one deceased . unnamed. To Edmund and Mary Branigin were also born five children, namely: Winifred, Evelyn, Edmonie, Minnie and Harry L., of whom Wini- fred and Edmonie are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell was born one child, Max D., who remains at home with his mother.
Politically, Mr. Mitchell was affiliated with the Democratic party, but, aside from the exercise of the right of franchise, he never took a very active part in political affairs, though maintaining at all times an intelligent in- terest in the current issues of the day. Religiously, he attended the Chris- tian church, to which he gave liberally of his means, and in every way pos- sible contributed his quota to the advancement of the best interests of the community. His death was considered a distinct loss to the community, for he had been a man of sterling character, whose support was ever given to the best things and whose influence was always exerted for the highest ideals. Mrs. Mitchell is a lady of many splendid graces of character, and among the friends with whom she associates she is held in the highest esteem.
CORNELIUS L. DITMARS.
The life history of Cornelius L. Ditmars, one of the well known and highly esteemed venerable citizens of Johnson county, now living in honor- able retirement, shows what industry, good habits and stanch citizenship will accomplish in the battle for success in life. His record has been one replete with duty well and conscientiously performed in every relation of life. He has come down to us from the pioneer period and has noted the wondrous transformation from that time to this, playing well his part in the drama of civilization. He has thus been an advocate of wholesome living and cleanli- ness in politics as well and has always stood for the highest and best inter- ests of the community in which so many of his active years have been passed and which has been honored by his citizenship.
Cornelius L. Ditmars was born on the 17th day of July, 1825, in Somer- set county, New Jersey, and is the son of Garrett and Sarah (Verbryck) Dit- mars, who also were natives of that state, Garrett being the son of Peter Ditmars. Sarah Verbryck Ditmars was the daughter of Major William Ver- bryck, a veteran of the Revolutionary war. In 1830 the Ditmars family emigrated from New Jersey to Warren county, Ohio, where they remained
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CORNELIUS L. DITMARS
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOK AND THEBEN FOUNDATIONS
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until 1836, when they came to Johnson county, Indiana. Here Garrett Dit- mars bought a tract of land, on which the timber had been partially cut and a log cabin built. At an early age Cornelius Ditmars was compelled to go to work, and was thus deprived of the educational advantages which he desired, his only school instruction being gained at a subscription school taught in a log cabin by a teacher of very ordinary ability and with the most primitive equipment. In 1846, at about the time he attained his legal majority, Cor- nelius Ditmars entered the employ of George King for a year, at nine dollars a month, but a few months later began working on the construction of a pike road at seventy-five cents a day, later going to work in a saw mill at eighteen dollars a month. He was wisely economical of his funds and eventually he and his brother Peter bought eighty acres of land with their savings and plant- ed it to wheat. In this enterprise they were successful and continued to make money for a few seasons. The following year Peter moved on to a farm of his own and Cornelius went to work for his brother William, but a little later he entered the employ of Capt. John P. Banta, to whom he rendered the most faithful service. In 1866 Mr. Ditmars bought one hundred and sixty acres of the present home farm, on to which he moved two years later and where he has resided ever since. He has been very successful in his efforts and added to his acreage from time to time, until he became one of the largest farmers, as well as one of the most progressive and enterprising in his sec- tion of Johnson county. He is now fting jin practical retirement, having turned the operation of his Tand over to other hands, though he still retains personal supervision of his business affairs.
Cornelius L. Ditmars has been married three times, first, in 1850, to Caroline Banta, the daughter of Capt. John' P. and Catherine (List) Banta, to which union were born four children, John W., Belle, William S., and Emme- line, who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Caroline Ditmars died in 1861, and in 1867 Mr. Ditmars married Catherine Alexander, whose death occurred in 1870, their union resulting in the birth of a daughter, Olive D. In 1872 Mr. Ditmars married Mrs. Jennie Graham Voris, who is still living.
Politically, Mr. Ditmars has always been a stanch Republican and has taken an active interest in public affairs. Religiously, he and his wife are earnest members of the Hopewell Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Ditmars has served as elder for many years. Personally, he is a man of clean char- acter and has ever exerted a healthful influence in the community, giving his support to every movement which promised to advance the welfare of the community in any way. Because of his genuine worth and the success which
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has crowned his life's efforts, he enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him and he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the char- acter of the one in hand.
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BARNEY M. VAUGHT.
Among those persons who have, by virtue of their strong individual qualities, earned their way to a high standing in the estimation of their fel- low citizens, having by sheer force of character and persistency won their way from an humble beginning to a place of influence and prominence in the community where they are active in industrial affairs, the subject of this sketch is entitled to special mention in a volume of this character.
Barney M. Vaught is a native of Johnson county, having been born here on July 9, 1859, and is a son of Andrew J. and Mary (Thomas) Vaught, both of whom were natives of Virginia, coming to Clark county, Indiana, in early days, and later to Johnson county, where they settled in Franklin town- ship. Mr. Vaught followed farming all his life and became a prominent and re- spected member of the community. To him and his wife were born ten chil- dren, namely : Martha, James, John M., Anna, Andrew J., Robert M., George B., William M., Louisa and Barney M. Andrew J. Vaught was a staunch sup- porter of the Republican party, but had no aspirations for public office, pre- ferring to give his entire attention to his private interests. In the Methodist Episcopal church he was a prominent worker in the early days and was a licensed exhorter. He and his wife are now both deceased.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of Johnson county, and then took up farming, which vocation he has followed throughout his active life. He carries on a diversified system of agriculture, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and also giving a great deal of attention to the raising of live stock, which he has found a profitable source of income. His farm is well improved and up to date in every particular, and he gives his personal attention to every detail of the farm work.
Mr. Vaught has been twice married, the first time in 1879 to India Tilson, a daughter of Stephen and Susan (Ballard) Tilson, both of whom were natives of this county. To this union were born three children, Judson, Guy C. and Nina. Mr. Vaught's first wife died in 1891, and in 1892 he married Minnie E. Edmonds, a daughter of William and Hester (Bronson)
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Edmonds, the father a native of Alabama and the mother of Ohio. The Bronsons were an early and prominent family in Johnson county. To the subject's second union has been born one child, Opal Hester.
Politically, Mr. Vaught is a staunch supporter of the Republican party, and has served efficiently one term as trustee of Needham township. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias at Franklin, while, re- ligiously, his membership is with the Christian Science church at Franklin. Though never aspiring to public office for himself, his support has always been given to the best man for the county offices and for many years he has taken an active interest in all movements looking to the betterment of his township and county. He has always led a quiet, well regulated and honest life, which has gained for him the respect of a host of admiring friends, who regard him as one of the leading citizens of Johnson county.
WILLIAM M. PROVINCE, M. D.
Among those men of high personal attainment and exalted professional character who have reflected honor on Johnson county, and at the same time attained to a commendable position among their fellow men, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this paragraph, a man who in every walk in life has performed his full part, who has given his unreserved support to every movement for the public welfare and who in his daily life has so lived as to earn the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens.
William M. Province was born in Kentucky on December 19, 1840, and is the son of Samuel Province, a farmer who was born in 1805 and died in 1863. The latter was a native of Ireland who, in his boyhood, was brought to America by his widowed mother, who settled in Kentucky. There Samuel Province was reared to manhood and married, rearing five children, namely : Jane, the wife of Dr. Lindley, of Waverly, Indiana; Dr. William M., the subject of this notice; Mrs. Rebecca Shufflebarger, Mrs. Mary E. Aldridge and Daniel H.
William M. Province secured his education in the common schools of his native community in Kentucky and in 1864 he came to the state of In- diana, where he has since made his residence. At the outbreak of the Civil war the subject's patriotic spirit was aroused and on October 12, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Sixth Regiment Kentucky Union Volun- teer Infantry, and for three years, two months and twelve days he followed
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the vicissitudes of war with his command and took part in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro and many other hotly con- tested engagements, as well as skirmishes, marches and other military service. He was a valiant soldier and in the battle of Chickamauga received a severe wound in the left arm. In January, 1865, Mr. Province entered Blooming- dale Academy, where he studied two years and then, having decided to take up the practice of the medical profession, he entered Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in March, 1867. On April 15th of the same year he began the active practice of medicine at Providence, or Union Village, where he has since remained and where he has attained to the foremost rank among the leading citizens of that community. He is the owner of a splendid farm of two hundred and forty acres, to the cultivation of which he gives his personal attention and he is building a beautiful and attractive new home in Franklin, where he expects to move in near future. As a doctor the sub- ject of this sketch has through the years handled many very difficult cases and has been uniformly successful in the practice.
On October 12, 1868, Doctor Province was united in marriage with Julia Abraham, the daughter of William Abraham, and to them were born three children, namely: Clarence and Orin, both of whom are well known and successful physicians in Franklin, and Florence, the wife of Dr. Garsh- wiler, a practicing physician in Indianapolis, whose residence is in South- port. By a life of consistent action and thought, the subject of this sketch has earned the high standing he now enjoys in his community, and it is a pleasure to give him representation in a work of the province of the one at hand.
WATSON M. VAN NUYS.
An enumeration of the representative citizens of Johnson county would be incomplete without specific mention of the well known and popular gen- tleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of this locality and for many years a public-spirited man of affairs, he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community and added luster to the honorable name which he bears, having always been actuated by a spirit of fairness in his dealings with the world in general, and leaving no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his friends and the favored section of the great commonwealth in which he has been content to spend his life. Straightfor-
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ward and unassuming, genial and obliging, Mr. Van Nuys enjoys the good will and respect of a wide circle of friends throughout this part of the state.
Watson M. Van Nuys, who enjoys an enviable reputation in his part of the country because of his eminent success as a farmer and stock raiser, was born on July 22, 1877, in Franklin township, this county, and is a son of Charles C. and Adda M. (List) Van Nuys, his mother having been a daugh- ter of Albert List. Charles C. Van Nuys was born in 1851, the son of John H. Van Nuys, a native of Mercer county, Kentucky, and a pioneer settler in Johnson county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm which had been en- tered by a Mr. Covert. John H. Van Nuys married Caroline Ditmars, and in the early life of the community they were highly respected because of their sterling character. Charles C. Van Nuys, who for the past sixteen years has conducted a summer hotel at Winona Lake, married Adda M. List, and to them were born four children: Watson M., the subject of this sketch; Edna, Mrs. Voorhies, of Rockwell City, Iowa; Ruth, Mrs. McGee, of Re- dondo Beach, California, and Kitty, Mrs. Granger, of Marion, Iowa.
Watson Van Nuys received his elementary education in the Hopewell schools, supplementing this by study in Franklin College, where he com- pleted a fair and practical education. For the past sixteen years he has had charge of the home farm, which he has conducted in such a way as to real- ize very advantageous results. The farm comprises one hundred acres, lo- cated in Franklin township, and, besides the raising of the ordinary grain crops common to this locality, Mr. Van Nuys is a breeder of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs, of which he handles about one hundred annually. He has thirty-five acres planted to corn, twenty-three acres to wheat and three acres to peas, while on an average he cuts about sixteen tons of hay. Practical in all his operations, no detail of the farm work escapes his careful attention, and the general appearance of the farm indicates the owner to be a man of sound judgment and wise discrimination.
Politically, Mr. Van Nuys is a staunch Republican, though not a seeker for public office, while his religious membership is with the Hopewell Pres- byterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, belong- ing to the blue lodge and to Franklin Chapter No. 65, Royal Arch Masons.
In 1902 Mr. Van Nuys married Daisy Alberta Branigin, a daughter of William D. Branigin, a well known and prominent citizen of this county. They move in the best social circles of the community and among their ac- quaintances they are deservedly popular. In agricultural circles Mr. Van Nuys stands in the front rank as a man who honors his calling in the present
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day and, because of his industry, integrity and courtesy, he is a man tor whom the future holds much of promise and reward. His integrity is of the most insistent and unswerving character and no shadow has rested upon any portion of his career as a sterling citizen. Because of his honorable record and sterling qualities of character Mr. Van Nuys is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the province of the one at hand.
WILLIAM OWENS.
Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelli- gence and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of John- son county whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in which they live is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and in view of the consistent life record lived by the subject since coming to this section of the country, it is particularly fitting that the fol- lowing short record of his career be incorporated in a book of this nature.
William Owens, an enterprising citizen and successful farmer of Need- ham township, was born on the old home farm on the 21st day of November, 1840. His paternal grandfather, James Owens, who was born in Virginia, and in an early day came to Indiana, located first in Clark county. Later he came to Johnson county, probably about 1830 or 1831, and here entered a tract of government land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his attention and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at an advanced age. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was a man of strong character. He reared a large number of children, among whom was Samuel Owens, who was born on March 3, 1808, and spent his entire life as an agriculturist. In 1827 he became a resident of Johnson county and the fol- lowing year entered land here upon which he located. At that time the greater part of this tract was covered with a dense growth of timber and his first years here were years of arduous toil in the effort to clear the land and make it fit for cultivation. He added to his acreage as he was prospered until at the time of his death, which occurred on October 15, 1846, he was the owner of two hundred and forty-six acres of as good land as could be found in that community. He married Millie Fisher, a native of North Carolina, and to them were born ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom
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three are now living, George, William, and Nancy, who is the wife of Theophilus McBride, and all residing in Needham township. Mrs. Owens was born on February 21, 1810, and died on February 22, 1896, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-six years. She and her husband were members of the Baptist church and by their consistent lives and earnest example they exerted a marked influence among those about them. The subject's grandfather on the maternal side was born in North Carolina and came to Clark county in an early day, there living to an advanced age. He was a farmer and reared a number of children.
William Owens has spent his entire life in Needham township, where he has successfully followed agricultural pursuits. His education was ob- tained in the old subscription schools of the neighborhood, the instruction there received being supplemented by much reading and close observation. He remained under the parental roof until attaining manhood, when he went to farming on his own account on the home farm, continuing his work there until the spring of 1863, when he purchased forty acres of land upon which he now lives and to which he has devoted his attention since. He has been prospered in his operations and has added to his landed estate until he is now the possessor of two hundred and twelve acres of highly cultivated and fertile land. He is a man of splendid business qualifications and of inde- fatigable energy, the general appearance of his place indicating him to be a man of sound judgment and good taste.
On April 22, 1867, Mr. Owens was married to Susanna Clark, the daughter of John and Susanna (Webb) Clark, and whose death occurred on July 6, 1908, at the age of sixty-four years. To this union were born three children, Mabel Grace, Edith Millie and John Clark. Of these, Edith married Elbert Brown, and they now live in Needham township, and are the parents of a daughter, Mabel Grace; John C. married Cora A. Brickett, of Bargers- ville, and they have a daughter, Marjorie Fern. Mrs. Owens' father. John Clark, was a native of England, having been born at Epworth, Lincolnshire, while his wife was a native of Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Clark was a miller and in the fall of 1841 located in Indianapolis, where for some years he successfully operated a mill. Later he bought a mill on Sugar creek, John- son county, which he conducted for a number of years with good success. To him and his wife were born seven children, four sons and three daugh- ters, of whom one is now living: Hannah, the wife of Jacob Tressler, of White River township, this county; Josiah, late of Los Angeles, California, deceased ; Susannah, wife of the subject of this sketch, and' John, deceased,
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late of Delaware county, Indiana; William, another son who made his home in Shelby county, Indiana, died on November 6, 1903. John Clark, Mrs. Owens' father, died on February 22, 1879, at the age of sixty-nine years, and his wife passed away on December 4, 1871, aged sixty-one. Both were Episcopalians in their religious belief and took a prominent part in the spiritual life of their community. Mrs. Owens' paternal grandfather, Will- iam Clark, who also was a native of England, died at an advanced age, leaving four children. Her maternal grandfather, John Webb, was a native of New Jersey and followed farming during his active years, his death oc- curring in his native state. He was the father of two sons and two daugh- ters. His wife was formerly the wife of a Mr. Huntsinger, a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Millie Owens was born in Roann county, North Carolina, on February 22, 1810, and was the daughter of George and Catherine Fisher, who came to Indiana in 1815, a year prior to the admis- sion of the state to the union. Millie Fisher was a woman of remarkable character and her descendants are numerous, there being forty-seven grand- children and thirty-one great-grandchildren.
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